Expedition prep - Latin America - Step 1

[efuentes]

Efuentes- thanks a bunch for the heads up. Mochis and Barrancas del Cobre and Torreon actually a few of the spots i'm dying to visit while I'm down there. If you like, you can check out a real rough map of the first 4000 mi...

Untitled2 - Google Maps

Nice route, yo might want to reconsider crossing at Guaymas, La Paz - Topolobampo is half the price and you get to enjoy Baja Sur beaches as you go down to La Paz (REALLY nice beaches).

You can also go from Los Mochis to Creel and then Chihuahua - Torreon. More adventurous but nicer overall.

Dropme a PM when you get near, beers are on me.

 

[cruiser_guy]

On the route, I'd recommend heading through Oaxaca rather than Villahermosa on the east coast. Oaxaca is an old colonial town certainly worth visiting. I'd also avoid driving in Mexico City, it's big and very poorly signposted. After several failed attempts to approach close enough to find a ring road we now avoid it. The last time or two we needed to hire a taxi to lead us to the autopista out of town after following the autopista in and having it gradually end.

Dropme a PM when you get near, beers are on me.

Are we invited on the next trip though? Probably mid-August.

 

[Shahram]

Um...what's wrong with the FJ40 in your sig line?

Yeah, the more I think about it, the more I think this question applies. If you purchase an older vehicle, you're getting an unknown quantity of issues. You already have a great 40, I'd say put some $$$ into that to get it tip-top (if it needs it), get some ultralight camping gear, and go with it. I mean, you might be isolated in Mexico to a certain extent, but you're still not as isolated, even with delays to get parts, as you would be crossing the Sahara, and the 40 is perfectly suited for that. The only thing your 40 might not have is abandonability...

 

[cajun65]

DO THE TRIP. Just do the ****ing trip, man. However and whatever you need to do, just do it. You may be at the tail end of an era in the tradition of road trips, so you'd better do it soon.

Probably my all time favorite IH8MUD quote here. Very well said.

 

[latinoguy]

Get a cruiser, 60 or 80 series. The expedition rig all expeditions vehicles are measured up against. Just make sure you either have the critical spare parts with you, have them replaced before you take off.

There are more toyotas in Mexico and are relatively easy to work on, plus you will be in a more reliable vehicle.

I see Toyota dealerships popping up all over mexico now, the only drawback is Toyota OEM parts are more expensive in Mexico than the US.

 

[EOE_overland]

--A/C sucks. It saps power, guzzles gas, and will only make you feel hotter at the end of the day. I'd avoid it. My A/C took a crap a couple of years ago in the Mojave, on a 120º day. We were hot in the car, but when we got to camp and the driving was done, everyone who had spent the day in A/C was complaining of the heat, while I and the people who drove with me were acclimated and quite comfortable.

Here's something I haven't seen many places! Great addition- you'd be surprised how much you don't need A/C. I drove my wife's car all last summer without it (too lazy to fix the blower), and I'm debating whether or not I'll fix it in my Cruiser this year. I work outside all day, and like Shahram said, you'd be surprised how comfortable you are while all the office weenies are crying as they step from their car directly into their airconditioned houses/offices. On a long trip A/C makes you lazy too! Even highway-driving in the US, how many times have you heard a weird noise and not stopped to check cause it's hot and the A/C is cool ?
Roll down the windows, enjoy the air, and crank up the radio. Maybe not great in a sketchy area you want to keep the tinted windows up, but better everywhere else. And "Mythbusters" says you'll save gas too

 

[cruiser_guy]

Here's something I haven't seen many places! Great addition- you'd be surprised how much you don't need A/C. I drove my wife's car all last summer without it (too lazy to fix the blower), and I'm debating whether or not I'll fix it in my Cruiser this year. I work outside all day, and like Shahram said, you'd be surprised how comfortable you are while all the office weenies are crying as they step from their car directly into their airconditioned houses/offices. On a long trip A/C makes you lazy too! Even highway-driving in the US, how many times have you heard a weird noise and not stopped to check cause it's hot and the A/C is cool ?
Roll down the windows, enjoy the air, and crank up the radio. Maybe not great in a sketchy area you want to keep the tinted windows up, but better everywhere else. And "Mythbusters" says you'll save gas too

Yes, you can do without A/C, many folks do. Personally, I installed A/C in my BJ60 after my first trip to Mexico because I do not do well with heat and humidity (I get cranky and tired). I would not do without A/C but then that's just me.

 

[46/71 Hybrid]

I live in Mexico and have to agree with Efuentes that a Cherokee is the way to go. They're everywhere down here, parts are readily available throughout the country, and they're cheap in the States. If you wanted to sell it and fly home, it'd be an easy sell since the buyer would probably part it out anyway (no title hassles).

If you want budget, I'd say go the Cherokee route. If you want sexy, go the LC route. Either way, have fun and register with the US Consulates/Embassy for each particular region you're traveling too. A simple email with your planned itinerary is a cheap insurance.

 

[cruiser_guy]

If you wanted to sell it and fly home, it'd be an easy sell since the buyer would probably part it out anyway (no title hassles).

"No title hassles" for the buyer! You'll still have the record of bringing a vehicle into the country on your passport and next time you enter that country you could get some very uncomfortable and EXPENSIVE questions on what happened to a certain vehicle and why is there no record of said vehicle being re-exported. They DO keep records and the onus is on YOU to prove re-export (I have a stack of Mexican receipts for re-exportation of my vehicles). I have also been hassled in Guatemala several times due to an error in the Guatemalan records (my passport proved that I had done the correct re-export procedure).

I stand by my original recommendation, "Do NOT try to sell a vehicle in Latin America that doesn't have the duties paid (or sell to someone who you can, and do, transfer ownership and passport legalities to)."

 

[46/71 Hybrid]

"No title hassles" for the buyer! You'll still have the record of bringing a vehicle into the country on your passport and next time you enter that country you could get some very uncomfortable and EXPENSIVE questions on what happened to a certain vehicle and why is there no record of said vehicle being re-exported. They DO keep records and the onus is on YOU to prove re-export (I have a stack of Mexican receipts for re-exportation of my vehicles). I have also been hassled in Guatemala several times due to an error in the Guatemalan records (my passport proved that I had done the correct re-export procedure).

I stand by my original recommendation, "Do NOT try to sell a vehicle in Latin America that doesn't have the duties paid (or sell to someone who you can, and do, transfer ownership and passport legalities to)."

I'm only speaking of experience in Mexico but it's very easy, just go to the local police station and get a copy of a report that says you're selling an inoperable vehicle and/or am unable to bear the expense of removing it from Mexico (this is obviously easier if you're more than 100 miles from the US/Mexico border).

There's a thousand ways to make it harder than it is but the bottom line is that (in the eyes of Mexican customs) it's no different than if you wrecked your car in Mexico and had to leave it there.

I've left two cars in Mexico and with the police reports and a note from Customs, never had an issue bringing new ones in.

As far as Guatemala, I don't have any experience down there.

 

[cruiser_guy]

I'm only speaking of experience in Mexico but it's very easy, just go to the local police station and get a copy of a report that says you're selling an inoperable vehicle and/or am unable to bear the expense of removing it from Mexico (this is obviously easier if you're more than 100 miles from the US/Mexico border).

There's a thousand ways to make it harder than it is but the bottom line is that (in the eyes of Mexican customs) it's no different than if you wrecked your car in Mexico and had to leave it there.

I've left two cars in Mexico and with the police reports and a note from Customs, never had an issue bringing new ones in.

As far as Guatemala, I don't have any experience down there.

That's much different from simply exchanging keys and cash!! You NEED a paper trail that is as official as possible.

 

[monkd]

I just returned from a trip to Guatemala via Mexico->Belize. I went with a 96 Land Cruiser with a rooftop tent. I think the RTT was largely unnecessary. We camped in some cool places but, within sight of almost all of those places was some other kind of affordable lodging. My advice would be to take what you feel the most comfortable in. I would not hesitate at all to take a taco, I just sold one and it would have been a good vehicle for mexico.

Check out this video of a guy I ran into in Palenque:

YouTube - Allan the travALLANman

I also saw a couple "overlanding" in a full size dodge van with a bed in the back. All in all camping there is like camping here, different stroke for different folks.

Once you leave it won't matter anymore! You can buy all kinds of stuff in Mexico, they have wal-marts too.

monkd

 

[efuentes]

and they're cheap in the States. If you wanted to sell it and fly home, it'd be an easy sell .

You can Import the Cherokee and sell it as a Mexican Car if its a 1999 model.

Saludos

 

[gotmud]

I think an 80 would suit you just fine. While some say Toyota parts and service in Mexico is scarce, I think you'll be ok. Most decent sized cities will have either a dealership or parts house to source what you'll need. Be sure to baseline the vehicle prior to your trip. Once you get half way through the country, you'll see more resources for foreign brands.

I have family scattered throughout Veracruz that would help you should you need anything if you decide to go that route on your way south. BTW, Pico de Orizaba, the highest point in Mexico is in Veracruz and has snow year round

 

[Shahram]

Check out this video of a guy I ran into in Palenque:

YouTube - Allan the travALLANman

That guy is awesome. He'll probably see ten times as much adventure as 99.9% of "expedition" four wheelers, and he'll do it in relative comfort, at a fraction of the cost.

 

[bj70_guy]

That guy is awesome. He'll probably see ten times as much adventure as 99.9% of "expedition" four wheelers, and he'll do it in relative comfort, at a fraction of the cost.

Bonus points for the Canucks sticker on the hood!

 

[lostworldexpedition]

I would like to tell you to start by narrowing down what you want to do while you are traveling. I will try to expand on that: you mentioned earlier that you have read several blogs including D. Connors Expedition Americas. Keep going and find as many as possible read them and notice how different they all are...

We have been "planning" our trip for a couple of years (by planning I mean mostly saving money) and IMHO it all boils down to what you expect your vehicle to do. If you want to get to Ushuaia through the Panamerican Highway, then any car/truck will do (hell, it has been done in a Ferrari!).

The couple from Bumfuzzle is traveling with a 2WD '58 VW Bus and they already completed the America's and just completed the transatlantic journey with their bus to Germany! Check out their website and see how many water crossings they did in that bus.

If you want to mess around off-road then be prepared, but all you really need is a 4WD vehicle or even a 2WD with lockers or a winch...but remember the vehicle will also be your home. As Cruiserguy mentioned it is not wise to dump your vehicle and continue.

The couple from A Long Drive just finished a trip from Alaska to Argentina in an FJ Cruiser, they stayed mostly in hotels and had camping and backpacking gear with them when needed.

If you plan on camping a lot, then decide how self sufficient you would like to be... keep food and make your own meals or just a bed?

I was raised in Venezuela and remember my trips in a 40 or a 60 with nothing more than a backpacking stove, some sheets and a couple of tarps, but I like some (more like many) creature comforts and even though some here in MUD may disagree I like having a fridge, a nice stove, fishing gear, and many other things that I did not carry around when I was younger. Nothing wrong with either way of doing things it is just different.

I went through an ultra minimalist phase when I used to backpack a lot and I would go as far as to cut toothbrushes shorter to save a few ounces... nothing wrong with that, but that ain't me no more. Same thing with vehicle dependent travels.

I am having a hard time verbalizing what I am thinking, but what it boils down to is: if you have some savings and are mentally prepared to go have an adventure... then go and I hope I run into you somewhere along the way!

Sorry, long winded post to answer your original post: you are thinking of a Tacoma or an 80. Dave Connors would probably say an 80 and between those two I would agree, but I am very partial to a well maintained 60 or 40.

 

[fernandol]

I say base line the 40 and go

I will also say that other than basic camping gear i'll try to bring a fridge along. I hate fishing for food inside a pool of melted ice and other unidentified liquids of various viscosities...

 

[ianfotheringham]

dood. take the 40...im leaving in 6 days to south africa to take my 81 45 up to europe and beyond - dont make me feel like i've made the wrong choice take the 40

the planet project - Home

 

[Volcano cruiser]

Ok several things:
1) Route: I get the slightly more stable than "go where the wind blows me " routing but seriously your going to need to plan your trip routing a little bit tighter if for no other reason than security and peace of mind for the folks back home. If folks haven't heard from you in a bit truast me on this you do want your folks/U.S. Embassy folks, somebody to have at least an idea of where you are or are supposed to be.

2) Car Selection: Once you know your route, it will be easy to see just from the distances and the kind of stuff you like to do and see, where you are going to be spending most of your time. THEN pick the vehicle for that area, e.g, most of your time spent in Mexico with just a toe dipped into Guatemala, go with a vehicle that is easy to service in rural Mexico. If you plan to spend most of your time in Central America then fix up your 40, period. If the 40 is in decent shape you can spend 3k on the fix up and use the rest for your trip budget. By far I have yet to run into a small town in Central America where there wasn't a mechanic who knew a 40 like the back of his hand. 40, 80s and fourrunners are everywhere in Central America. BTW each of them comes in a diesel version here as well. so cheap on the gas. If you can get lucky and catch a diesel one of any of these vehicles for sale in the U.S. ( they exist from time to time on Ebay) so much the better. Whatever rig you pick make sure that it is near perfect running shape. I would use some of the extra cash ( see below) and replace all belts and hoses, etc with new and keep the old ones that are still in good shape as your spares. Basically everything as new as possible under the hood and car and keep the old peices as spares. Having your own spares as something busts in that little dusty town on a Sunday morning will greatly speed your departure. It is one thing to find the mechanic and convince him to get out of bed etc on a day off but it is another to convince him if you can show him that you already have all of the parts.

I know that people beat up 40s alot because of space issues. I can comfortably store all kinds of recovery gear and camping gear in mine and never even come close to breaking a sweat, i.e., plenty of space to spare ( if it is just you and you are not bring along all of your GF's stuff). If you are even slightly worried about space, go with the 4 runner and your troubles are completely over on that score.

3) Security: Low profile - I plan on making the same run but in reverse from Central America back up to the U.S. in my 40. I run the thing all over now and one of the things I like most is that I can roll though any small town here and it looks like every other car.
Gear: Travel light, keep it mostly inside and well tied down. Have great door locks and an alarm, everyone here does. Make sure that your windows are tinted as heavily as the law allows to avoid pryiing eyes and cut down on the heat. Keep two spare tires as the roads can get really crappy really fast and we do not want to mention the need for you to be super ready if you happen to roll through during the rainy season here so make sure that they are really good ATs and I think 4wd is a must here given the elevel of uncertainty in date and route planning here. Run two batteries with an isolator so you can give yourself a jump. Run either two tanks or a long range tank so if you need to you can avoid stopping in a sketchy place just because you are worried about gas. Remeber there is no AAA road side assistance here and the county mounties are not your friends in many cases.

4) Travel advice: Do what Charles, "Cruiser guy" says, period. He makes this run more often than anyone on here and he does it in cruisers, 55 and a 60, from Guatemala straight through and up to British Columbia at one point a couple times a year. If he syays stop at a certain place, gear up, wait and then make a run for the border at a certain time along a certain route, do it. He has in cruisers full of gear and family over and over again. If there is a customs beef that can happen he's been there and done that.
Sale of rig: Forget selling the rig, I have bought and sold a number of rigs here now and it is more than a casual traveler could pull off or bear. I t takes piles of paperwork and weeks to get right and that is if you spanish is fluent and you know your way around. Dance with the girl you bring to the dance, period.

5) Make the trip.
Good luck,
John